Environment protection licences

On 15 July 2005, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) granted Port Authority of New South Wales a licence to handle bulk liquids cargo at Berth 4, White Bay.

The licence permits handling up to 100,000 tonnes per year of cargo, including vegetable oils, tallow, and fatty acids. Cargo is primarily exported, transferred from road tanker trucks to vessels, though occasional imports occur, with cargo moving from vessels to trucks.

Port Authority must comply with specific licence conditions, such as noise monitoring and complaint reporting. Information is regularly updated to ensure compliance.

A summary of all complaints from the previous year is available for download.

On 28 November 2008, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) granted Port Authority of New South Wales a licence to handle common salt cargo at Berth 1, Glebe Island.

The licence permits handling up to 100,000 tonnes per year of common salt, which is unloaded from vessels onto trucks.

Port Authority must comply with specific conditions, including noise monitoring and complaint reporting. The licence requires noise monitoring the first time each ship berths at the premises and during cargo removal to ensure compliance with noise limits specified in the conditions.

A summary of all complaints from the previous year is available for download.

On 13 October 2009, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) modified an existing licence held by Port Authority of New South Wales, authorising the handling of common salt cargo at Berth 7, Glebe Island.

The licence permits handling up to 500,000 tonnes per year of common salt, which is unloaded from vessels onto trucks.

Port Authority must comply with specific conditions, including noise monitoring and complaint reporting. The licence requires annual noise monitoring when a ship berths at the premises and during cargo removal, ensuring compliance with noise limits specified in the conditions.

A summary of all complaints from the previous year is available for download.

Port Authority manages incident response functions through the Port Marine Management System (PMMS). Within PMMS, the Incident Management Procedure and Sydney Pollution Response Plan outline internal procedures for handling emergencies and marine pollution response.

The following information explains the general process for notifying a pollution incident, including:

• Owners or occupiers of nearby premises
• The local authority for the area
• Any persons or authorities required to be notified under Part 5.7 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act)

A pollution incident is defined as an event that causes or threatens material harm to the environment. Material harm includes:

• Actual or potential harm to human health or ecosystems that is not trivial
• Actual or potential property damage exceeding $10,000
• Required authorities (listed below) will be notified, and incident notification should be made as soon as reasonably practicable to the initial responder for Sydney Harbour

Relevant authorities notification order

If the incident presents an immediate threat to human health or property, notification will take place in the following order:

If the incident does not present an immediate threat to human health or the environment, notification will take place in the following order:

Wider notification

The EPA can formally direct Port Authority to notify others about a pollution incident. If directed, Port Authority will contact commercial, industrial, and residential neighbours to inform them of the incident and the actions being taken in response. Failure to comply with this direction is an offence.

The EPA may specify the required extent of notification. If not, Port Authority will determine who to contact based on the nature of the pollution incident and current conditions, including:

• Type of pollutant
• Prevailing winds
• Magnitude of the incident
• Potential impacts

Communication mechanisms

If emergency services coordinate the pollution incident response, they will control communications. Emergency services can send alerts and advisories to affected areas if needed. Port Authority will assist by providing communications support, including direct doorknocks if required.

If emergency services do not coordinate communications, Port Authority will notify owners and occupiers of premises near Glebe Island and White Bay Port.

Port Authority has established mechanisms to provide early warnings and regular updates to nearby premises and the community, including:

• Incident notifications on the Port Authority website
• Emails to community representatives, including the Glebe Island and White Bay Community Liaison Group
• Emails to tenants and occupiers of Port Authority premises
• Doorknocking to inform affected community members
• Updates to media outlets, including ABC Emergency broadcasting
• The communication response will depend on the specific circumstances of the pollution incident and any EPA directives.

A media liaison officer is available 24/7 for media inquiries. Media updates may be provided as needed throughout the incident.

Information to be provided

During a pollution incident, communications with the community may include specific information to help minimise the risk of harm. The details shared will depend on the nature and circumstances of the incident.

On 28 May 2018, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) granted Port Authority of New South Wales a licence to conduct helicopter-related activities at the Dyke Point Helipad, Carrington.

The licence authorises helicopter transfers of pilots to and from bulk vessels, with operations limited to 40 flight movements within any 24-hour period.

Licence Conditions
Port Authority must comply with specific conditions, including:

• Adhering to the approved number of flight movements
• Submitting complaint reports
• Implementing a current Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP)

Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP)
The PIRMP outlines systems and procedures for handling incidents such as spills, explosions, or fires that may occur at the helipad or result from its operations, potentially harming the environment.

View the PIRMP for the Helipad here.

Operational Approvals
The helipad operates under:

• Development Approval DA98/1262
• Modification DA21/17874, permitting the use of a twin-engine helicopter to meet safety requirements

View the Operational Management Plan for the helipad below.